Reflection, Courage and Change - Doing What You Love

Winter Window box

Happy New Year!
I can say this, right? It's still January. I was about to write, "Where did the rest of 2014 go?" But I know exactly where it went and why I've been MIA on my BLOG for so long.

Last August, when (a very part-time) Oliver Rabbit was barely a year old and lagging far behind my dreams for its success, I took a two week, stay-at-home, "sewcation." I had fifteen days to focus on what I truly love to do - create and sew. It was one of the best vacations I've ever taken. Upon returning to work, though, I felt disconnected and sad. There was no longer any doubt I needed to re-channel my energy and make significant changes in order to be happy. While I enjoyed many aspects of my "day" job, there was just too much missing. A move was to be in the cards as well: I had never really connected with my community after leaving Manhattan. 

That was it. I made a plan. Well, a decision actually; I didn't have a "plan" per se. I just started "doing" and believed it would all come together. My only fear was that I had none. I set a date. December 20th come hell or high water. I started packing. After all, I was moving to somewhere. I sewed like a maniac for last minute holiday shows. Moving isn't cheap. I researched coastal New England communities. Wanted a village, the ocean and snowy winters. I scoured Craigslist for a new home. Must be single dwelling with designated sewing room and my own washer/dryer. I told my closest friends and family and gave my notice at work. It was a genuine roller coaster of exhausting and exciting activity.

Four days before Christmas, with help from Laura and Jonathan, I moved from New York to mid-coast Maine. We stretched a happy holiday over many days amidst the boxes. Montana and Bailey came to visit. We ate and drank, shared stories and were merry. It was all very lovely. 

Cutting our own christmas tree - December 23, 2014

 So here I sit, in a cozy old farmhouse. My sewing room is sunny and I've found my needles. I have a washer/dryer and the pipes have frozen only once so far. It's cold, snowy, quiet and beautiful. The ocean and its harbors are near. I can walk to the village for hot chowder and have made new friends. 

Maine was home for many years before I moved to New York City in 2002. It's good to be back. I am happy and excited for what's to come. This is just the beginning. 

XO,
Annette